A   Ministers   Ideals 

In  Sonnet  and  Song 


BV 


CHARLES  SUMNER  HOYT 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Section  /00^ 


A   Minister's   Ideals 


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1 


A  Minister's  Ideals 

In  Sonnet  and  Song 


Charles    Sumner    Hoyt 


Chicago 

The    Winona    Publishing    Company 
I9O4 


Copyright,   1903 

by 

The  Winona  Publishing  Co, 

December 


riir  InhteftJf  $rr»* 

R.   R.   DONNKLLHY   ft  SONS  COMPANY 
CHICAGO 


To    the 


First    Presbyterian    Church 


of 


Oak    Park,    Illinois 


this  little  volume  is  dedicated 
ith   deep  appreciation  and  affection 


During  the  last  few  weeks  of  his  life  Dr.  Hoyt  collected  these  Son- 
nets and  Hymns  with  a  view  to  their  publication.  The  Sonnet  on  James 
Chalmers  was  the  last  product  of  his  pen,  written  January  20,  1003, 
some  dictated  alterations  being  made  January  24th,  at  the  same  time  the 
"Evening  Thought"  was  dictated.  A  number  of  the  Sonnets  had  ap- 
peared in  the  Auburn  Seminary  Review,  those  on  the  Prophets,  Henry 
Drummond,  and  Expansion,  in  the  Christian  Endeavor  World;  but  all 
the  Hymns  were  written  for  the  services  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Oak  Park,  Illinois. 

It  is  thought  that  many  #/  those  who  have  heard  this  Minister  s 
ideals  preached  and  sung  will  be  glad  to  have  them  in  the  form  in  which 
he  left  them  when  called,  January  28,  1003,  to  the  realization  of  his  one 
inclusive  ideal,  "that  I  may  win  Christ."" 


Contents 


Sonnets 


PAGE 


Ideals  of  the  Ministry 

Our  Calling g 

Prophet    ' ' '  "  I0 

Apostle  n 

Pastor  I 12 

Pastor  II !3 

Minister    14 

Sky-Pilot  .....;  iS 

Farthest  North   16 

Men  of  Auburn 17 

Ideals  of  the  Prophets 

Sargent's  "Hebrew  Prophets"  19 

Hosea  20 

Joel   21 

Amos    22 

Obadiah  23 

Jonah    24 

Micah    25 

Nahum  26 

Habakkuk    27 

Zephaniah    28 

Haggai   29 

Zechariah   30 

Malachi 31 

Miscellaneous  Sonnets 

D.wight  L.  Moody 33 

Zimmerman's  "Christ  and  the  Fisherman" 36 

Henry  Drummond   37 

Expansion  38 


Contents 


To  My  Mother 39 

A  Sabbath  at  Lake  Bluff 40 

Love's  Excellence  41 

Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the  Cayuga  Orphan  Asylum  42 

To  Professor  Edward   North ...  43 

To  Dr.   Herrick  Johnson 44 

James  Chalmers,  Martyr-Missionary 45 


Hy 


mns 


The  Church 

Banished  Sons Tune,  Missionary  Chant  47 

Face  to  Face Tune,  Battell  48 

Hymn  of  Dedication Tune,  Ellerton  49 

Easter  Hymns 

Jesus  on  the  Shore Tune,  Pilot  50 

Divine  Heart-Burning Tune,  Sacrament  52 

Thanksgiving  Hymn Tune,  Park  Street  53 

Christmas   Hymn •• Tune,    Ward  54 

New  Year's  Day  Hymn Tune,  America  55 

Hymns  for  Chicago  Day 

A  Vision  Splendid Tunc,  Faben  57 

Healing  of  the  Water Tunc,  Gertrude  58 

A  City  of  Truth Tunc,  Me  lit  a  60 

Hymns  of  Life 

Christ,  I  Take  Thy  Yoke Tunc,  Fatherland  62 

For  Thy  Sake Tunc,  Stephanos  64 

The  Streets  of  the  City Tune,  Wilmot  66 

The  Life  which  is  Life 67 

The  Light  of  Life Tune,  Lcighton  68 

Self  Conquest Tune,  Eventide  69 

Lord,  Let  Me  Go  in  Peace Tunc,  Integer  70 

An  Evening  Thought 71 


Ideals   of  the  Ministry 


Our  Calling 

"High  is  our  calling,  Friend."     Thus  Wordsworth 
said 
To  Haydon,  poet  to  the  painter:  each 
Surmounting  heights  beyond  the  av'rage  reach, 

Where  only  genius  has  a  right  to  tread. 

So  we  must  magnify  our  office,  led 

Of  God  to  catch  and  paint  ideals,  to  preach 
The  higher  truths  of  spirit,  and  to  teach 

That  man  doth  not  subsist  alone  by  bread. 

For  men  have  won  such  conquests  in  the  field 

Of  trade :  in  wealth  and  power  have  waxed  so 
great, 

That  they  the  sceptres  of  the  world  do  wield, 
And  make  and  unmake  policies  of  state. 

But  still  our  Christ  stands  rightful  King  of  men 

And  we  must  bring  his  crown  rights  back  again. 


io  Ideals  of  the  Ministry 


Prophet 

As  prophets,  more  than  once  we  must  have  caught 
The  vision  of  the  King,  the  bush  aflame 
With  glory,  felt  our  lips  were  purged  of  shame, 

Our  tongues  a  burning  eloquence  were  taught. 

There's   prophet's   work,   while   conscience   can   be 
bought 
With  gold,  or  dazzled  by  the  spell  of  fame : 
While,  in  the  face  of  wrong,  men  show  a  tame 

And  craven  spirit,  base  and  ignoble  thought. 

Our  eyes  be  clarified  to  read  the  times, 
Our  ears  attuned  to  hear  the  cry  of  pain, 

Our  sympathies  be  widened  to  all  climes, 

In  prayer  and  work  for  Christ's  advancing  reign. 

His  blazing  chariot  wheels  may  we  outrun, 

The  tireless  heralds  of  God's  Kingly  Son! 


Ideals  of  the  Ministry  11 


Apostle 

Think  you  "Apostle"  is  a  worn-out  word? 

There  still  is  need  of  men,  whom  God  hath  sent 
Straight  as  an  arrow  from  a  bow  full  bent, 

Swift  as  an  angel  flies,  whose  soul  is  stirred 

To  minister,  and  cannot  be  deterred. 
Ambassadors  for  Christ  must  be  intent 
On  errands  high,  and  willing  to  be  spent 

In  any  work,  if  only  He  shall  gird. 

Yea,  though  we  stand  ambassadors  in  bonds, 
As  Paul  before  Agrippa,  we  must  bear 
Ourselves  as  royal  messengers,  and  wear 

The  livery  of  light  that  corresponds. 

Not  ours  the  words  we  speak,  the  works  we  do, 
But  His  who  sent  us ;  His  the  glory,  too. 


12  Ideals  of  the  Ministry- 


Pastor  I. 

The  Master  says  to  us,  as  once  of  old 

To  Peter,  "Feed  my  lambs  and  feed  my  sheep"; 

Give  joy  for  joy,  and  weep  with  those  that  weep; 
Go,  gather  those  that  stray  into  the  fold. 
For  in  this  restless  age  the  sheep  scarce  know 

The  shepherd's  voice,  and  he  must  go  and  lay 

A  living  hand  on  them,  the  cloudy  day, 
When  skies  are  dark,  faith  weak  and  hope  sinks  low. 

O  for  the  shepherd-instinct,  shepherd-heart, 

That  from  the  Shepherd-King  hath  learned  its  art! 

Compassion  warm,  a  swift  telepathy, 

To  read  the  soul,  its  hidden  agony : 
From  house  to  house,  on  moorland  or  in  mart, 

To  win  and  hold  by  tact  and  courtesy. 


Ideals  of  the  Ministry  13 


Pastor  II. 

His  vital  grasp  gives  men  new  grip  on  life, 
His  manhood  reinforces  their's,  so  spent 
In  battling  with  the  world ;  recruits  their  rent 

And  weary  spirit,  faint  and  sick  from  strife. 

When  he  appears,  clouds  disappear ;  the  sun 

Shines   forth  again ;  the   weak  are  strong  once 

more; 
The  children's  faces  brighten,  and  the  store 

Of  joy  seems  doubled,  and  life's  battle  won. 

.  He  loves  his  people.    Locked  within  his  breast, 
Their  secrets  are  as  safe  as  in  a  chest 

That's  ribbed  with  steel.     No  hireling-shepherd  he, 
Whose  service  must  be  bought  with  paltry  pelf ; 

He  puts  no  price  upon  his  ministry, 

Nor  has  he  ever  learned  to  save  himself. 


14  Ideals  of  the  Ministry- 


Minister 

The  minister  has  found  what  service  costs 
In  heart-blood,  in  the  constant  going  out 
Of  virtue  from  him,  in  derision's  shout, 

The  world's  indifference  and  stinging  frosts. 

As  Christ  came  ministering,  His  servant  comes. 
Enough  for  him  if,  like  his  Lord,  he  girds 
Himself  to  lowly  tasks,  and  hears  the  words, 

"Do  ye  as  I  have  done."     For  in  the  slums, 

As  on  the  boulevard,  we  track  the  feet 
Of  Him  who  toiled  up  Calvary  to  win 
The  world.     Then  let  us  count  it  shame  and  sin, 

If  we  with  halting  step  our  duties  greet. 
Let  life  be  hardt  its  work  without  return! 
Your  candle  trim  and  to  the  socket  burn ! 


Ideals  of  the  Ministry  15 


Sky-Pilot 

Men  will  not  scorn  the  "cloth,"  if  underneath 
There  throbs  a  manly  heart.    In  wild  Black  Rock 
Or  on  Fifth  Avenue,  they'll  not  unfrock 

The  man  in  whom  true  sympathies  do  breathe. 

We  take  their  playful  term  of  "parson,"  fill 
It  full  of  gracious  personality, 
The  Christ-like  character,  that  all  can  see, 

The  love  that  charms,  the  qualities  that  thrill. 

"Sky-pilot,"  they  may  dub  us,  when  the  skies 
Are  blue  and  waters  calm ;  but  when  the  clouds 
Blot  out  the  stars,  a  tempest  sweeps  the  shrouds, 

The  vessel  drives  before  the  gale,  hope  dies : 
They  trust  that  pilot,  full  of  faith  and  cheer, 
Who  says, — "Believe  in  God  and  do  not  fear!" 


1 6  Ideals  of  the  Ministry 


"Farthest  North" 

Let  Science  count  the  gains  from  her  high  quest 
Amid  unconquered  snow  and  ice !    We  prize 
The  most  its  witness  to  the  hopes  which  rise 

Unbidden  and  immortal  from  the  breast — 

The  patience,  courage,  energy,  unrest, — 
The  faith  in  God  and  man,  in  sea  and  skies, 
Which  makes  adversities  its  firm  allies. 

And  rugged  powers  of  manhood  doth  attest. 

O  men  of  Auburn !  trust  the  "polar  drift"  ! 
Forget  yourselves,  your  safety  and  your  ease ! 
Stout  heart  within,  and  steady  hand  on  helm. 
Adventure  all  for  truth !    Then  through  the  rift 
Of  wintry  cloud,  beyond  the  icy  seas, 

Shall  shine  the  unattained,  the  soul's  true  realm. 


Ideals  of  the  Ministry  17 


Men  of  Auburn 

God  bless  thee,  Auburn !  School  of  prophets  true, 
Thy  record  starred  with  names  of  brilliant  worth, 
Thy  lines  of  light  gone  out  through  all  the  earth, — 

Long  may  both  power  and  fame  to  thee  accrue. 

On  all  thy  sons  be  set  thy  double  seal 
Of  loyalty  and  liberty.     Impart 
To  them  thy  love  of  truth,  a  fearless  heart 

To  do  the  right,  to  follow  their  ideal. 

So  may  thy  future  far  the  past  outstrip  : 
Thy  learning  ever  own  its  Master,  Christ : 
Thy  richest  treasures  be  the  gains  unpriced 

Of  reverent,  intrepid  scholarship. 

Thus  from  these  halls  send  forth  into  the  world 
True  soldiers  of  the  Cross,  with  flag  unfurled. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets 


Sargent's  "Hebrew  Prophets" 

Here  see  the  builders  of  a  commonwealth, 

Who  ever  to  celestial  patterns  wrought; 
Applied    truth's    plumb-rule,    lest    there    creep    by 
stealth 

Some    flaw   God's   work  to  mar,  and   bring  to 
naught. 
These  men  have  looked  on  bushes  all  aflame 

With  Deity,  yet  unconsumed ;  have  caught 
The  vision  of  the  King  and  felt  the  shame 

Of  unclean  lips,  till  living  coal  was  brought 
To  purge  away  their  sin  and  make  them  fit 

For  purest  message.    Never  have  they  thought 
Of  fear,  their  eyes  with  heaven's  glory  lit, 

Nor  could  they  with  dull,  earthly  gold  be  bought. 
Some  faces  stern  and  dark  with  coming  doom, 
And  some  with  tenderness  and  hope  abloom. 


19 


20  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 


Hosea 

The  Prophet  of  the  Divine  Betrothal 

Heroic  soul!  experience  hard  and  real, 

Of  blighted  hopes,  dishonored  vows,  the  stress 
And  strain  of  inward  conflict  none  could  guess, 

Yet  through  it  all  a  heart  as  true  as  steel, 

Of  patient  love  has  taught  thee  Heaven's  ideal  :- 
"For  I  am  God,  not  man ;  love  more,  not  less ; 
My  people  I've  betrothed  in  faithfulness, 

Nor  can  I  ever  break  my  cov'nant's  seal." 

O  church  of  God,  O  bride  of  Christ,  reveal 
Thy  gratitude  for  love  like  that ;  confess 
Thy  need  of  cleansing;  wear  thy  virgin  dress 

Of  radiant  purity,  adorned  with  zeal. 

With  lasting  joy  and  peace  thy  Lord  will  bless, 

And  all  thy  sin  and  shame  and  sorrow  heal. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  21 


Joel 

The  Prophet  of  Pentecost 

All  nature  mourns,  as  when  a  flame  runs  o'er 
Its  fields,  and  leaves  a  black  and  dreary  waste, 
And  from  the  sons  of  men  all  joy  is  chased. 

But  rend  your  heart,  your  gracious  God  implore, 

That  He  may  send  His  rain,  your  years  restore 
With  plenty,  satisfy  with  good  your  taste, 
Till  wilderness  by  Eden  be  replaced. 

More  wondrous  vet!     The  heavens  shall  outpour 

The  Spirit's  gift  upon  all  humankind, 
Anointing  men  and  women,  old  and  young, 

With  visions  of  the  truth,  with  golden  dreams 
Of  purity,  and  kindling  every  tongue 

With  fire  of  love,  until  from  mind  to  mind 
There  radiate  the  Pentecostal  gleams. 


22  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 


Amos 

The  Prophet  of  Social  Justice 

No  prophet,  neither  prophet's  son,  but  called 

From  following  the  flock  to  be  a  voice 
For  God,  a  seer  of  truth  for  people  walled 

About  with  insincerity,  a  choice 
And  gifted  workman,  trained  in  field,  not  school. 

Beneath  the  silent  stars  he  thought  by  night, 
And  wrought  the  livelong  day  with  busy  tool. 

So  measured  he  to  manhood's  fullest  height. 

No  golden  glamour  hides  from  eyes  made  keen 
By  desert  air  the  nation's  sure  decay. 

His  plumb-line  makes  the  social  structure  lean 
So  far  from  truth  that  naught  its  fall  can  stay. 

He  sees  the  Lord  above  the  altar  stand 

To  smite  the  temple  and  to  scourge  the  land. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  23 

Obadiah 

The  Prophet  of  False  Pride  and  Unbrotherly  Neutrality 

In  daring  hast  thou  with  the  eagle  vied 

And  set  among  the  stars  thy  dizzy  nest. 

The  hidden  rock-clefts  thou  inhabitest 
Beyond  all  fear,  secure  and  satisfied. 
Thine  heart  deceives  itself  in  its  false  pride, 

And  shall  be  humbled  by  divine  behest. 

Invasion's  wave  shall  roll  its  angry  crest, 
Search  out  thy  treasures  with  its  hungry  tide. 

No  neutral  he  that  stands  the  other  side, 
A  brother's  shame  and  sorrow  makes  his  jest, 
Then  joins  the  mob  to  plunder  and  molest. 

The  mocker  is  as  one  that  crucified. 

O  Christ,  to  walk  with  Thee  give  keener  zest, 

Nor  coward  let  me  stand  the  other  side ! 


24  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 


Jonah 

The  Prophet  of  Repentance 

Delivered  from  the  depths  profound,  the  vast 

Abyss  of  waters,  awed  and  penitent, 
The  recreant  prophet  boldly  gains  at  last 

The  city  gates,  on  single  errand  bent ; 
One  startling  message  through  her  streets  proclaims, 

"Yet  forty  days,  and  Nineveh  o'erthrown!" 
He  rouses  people,  nobles,  king.    He  shames 

Them  for  atrocious  sins  until  one  groan 
Of  agony,  one  cry  to  Heaven  of  hearts 

Despairing  sounds  from  greatest  unto  least. 
By  royal  law,  in  palaces  or  marts, 

One  badge  of  mourning  covers  man  and  beast. 
O  Ninevites,  your  penitential  fear 
Condemneth  us.     That  "  greater  One  "  is  here. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  25 


Micah 

The  Prophet  of  Peace 

We  bless  thee  that  so  soon  thou  didst  reverse 
Thy  brother  prophet's  message,  and  didst  dare 
Rebuke  the  zeal  for  war,  the  trumpet's  blare ; 

Of  carnage,  pillage,  thou  didst  show  the  curse ; 

Thou  badest  men,  in  words  both  tense  and  terse, 
Beat  spear  to  pruning-hook,  and  sword  to  share, 
And  learn  industrial  arts,  secure  from  care, 

Domestic  virtues  peace  alone  doth  nurse. 

Where,  in  an  age  of  violence  and  strife, 
Was  born  so  fair  a  hope,  with  blessing  rife? 
Look  down  the  years.    O  little  Bethlehem, 
Thine  be  the  glory,  thine  the  diadem ! 
Thou  cradlest  One  who  is  to  be  our  King, 
The  Magna  Charta  of  our  peace  to  bring. 


26  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 


Nahum 

The  Prophet  of  Nineveh's  Fall 

O  Nineveh,  thou  bloody  city,  think 

Not  thou  canst  fill  thy  lion's  lair  with  spoils 
Of  ravaged  nations,  and  elude  the  toils 

Of  outraged  justice,  which  no  more  shall  wink 

At  cruelty  so  vast.    God  makes  thee  drink 
The  cup  of  fury  thou  hast  brewed,  which  boils 
With  Heaven's  wrath.    About  thee  slowly  coils 

The  chain  thyself  hast  forged,  link  by  link. 

Make  strong  thy  loins ;  prepare  thyself  for  siege. 
Stand  guard !  The  outposts  fall  like  figs  first  ripe. 
The  gates  swing  wide.    Fierce  warriors  throng 
thy  streets 
With  fire  and  sword.     Thy  worthies  and  their  liege 
Are  weak  as  women.    Thou  art  in  the  gripe 
Of  one  whom  man  may  mock,  but  never  cheats. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  27 

Habakkuk 

The  Prophet  of  a  Tried  but  Triumphant  Faith 

O  Thou  of  ear  so  keen  that  it  must  hear 

The  prayer  of  faith  for  healing  of  our  shame, 
O  Thou  of  eyes  so  pure  that  they  must  flame 

In  vivid  lightnings  on  our  darkness  drear, 

And  clarify  our  murky  atmosphere, 

When  wilt  Thou  come  to  manifest  Thy  name, 
To  vindicate  the  right,  Thy  cause  reclaim? 

Bold  watchman  on  thy  tower  of  hope,  what  cheer? 

Swift  comes  the  answering  vision  ;  make  it  plain  : 
The  Lord  is  on  His  throne, — keep  silence,  earth, — 
Shall  punish  wrong,  and  crown  the  just  with 
life; 
Revive  His  ancient  work ;  by  second  birth 

Flood  all  the  world  with  glory,  quenching  strife, 
Till  men  their  heritage  of  joy  regain. 


28  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 

Zephaniah 

The  Prophet  of  the  Day  of  the  Lord 

A  day  of  wrath,  of  darkness  and  distress, 

When  God   will   search   with   candles,   and   will 

seize 
The  careless  doubters,  settled  on  their  lees, 

Who  live  in  luxury  and  selfishness. 

The  enemy,  resentful,  pitiless, 

With  banners  waving  in  the  morning  breeze, 
The  city  gates  shall  enter  at  their  ease, 

And  all  its  treasures  spoil  beyond  redress. 

But  sing,  O  Zion !    There's  another  day 

Of  God,  when  He,  thy  King,  who's  in  the  midst 
Of  thee,  shall  joy  o'er  thee  and  rest  in  love ; 
Thy  foe  cast  out,  thy  judgments  take  away ; 
Let  thee  no  more  see  evil,  since  thou  didst 
Not  doubt,  but  patiently  His  goodness  prove. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  29 


Haggai 

The  Prophet  of  Reconstruction 

Mid  blended  shouts  of  joy  and  grief  were  laid 

The  stones  whereon  the  exile's  hopes  were  based. 

Then  foes  conspired.      The  king  his  course  re- 
traced, 
His  throne  against  the  enterprise  arrayed. 
And  now  self-seeking,  apathy,  invade 

All  hearts.     The  pulse  grows  faint,  the  will  un- 
braced. 

They  rear  their  houses,  let  God's  house  lie  waste. 
So  heaven  from  dew  and  earth  from  fruit  are  stayed. 

There  comes  swift  messenger  from  higher  court, 
With  rugged  message,  of  divine  import : — 
''Your  ways  consider ;  be  ye  strong  and  build ; 
With  greater  glory  shall  this  house  be  filled." 
He  touched  their  conscience,  and  their  spirit 

stirred 
To  nerve  their  hands  for  work,  their  loins  re- 
gird. 


3<D  Ideals  of  the  Prophets 

Zechariah 

The  Prophet  of  Restored  Jerusalem 

Despise  not  things  so  small.    Thou'rt  not  alone, 

But  God  is  with  thee  and  will  bless  thy  toil. 
Mid   shouts   of   " Grace !"   thou'lt   lay   the  topmost 
stone, 

And  feed  the  temple  lamps  with  golden  oil. 
The  city  shall  o'erleap  its  ancient  bounds, 

And  God  shall  be  its  glory  and  defense. 
The  boys  and  girls  shall  fill  its  streets  with  sounds 

Of  laughter,  till  old  age  its  care  relents. 
Men  call  the  city  "Truth,"  therein  find  peace. 

Its  fasts  are  turned  to  feasts.    Its  sacred  shrine 
Is  altar  for  the  nations.     Never  cease 

The  living  streams  to  flow,  the  light  to  shine. 

Wouldst  know  the  secret  of  this  vision's  flower  ? 
By  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  not  by  power. 


Ideals  of  the  Prophets  31 

Malachi 

The  Prophet  of  a  Violated  Fatherhood 

If  I'm  a  Father,  where's  the  honor  due 

From  loving  children  ?    Why  do  ye  profane 
My  name  with  hollow  service?    Why  in  vain 

Burn  fire  upon  mine  altar,  and,  in  lieu 

Of  perfect  gifts,  with  refuse  think  to  sue 
For  favor  ?  Weariness  ye  ill  contain  ; 
Ye  rob  both  God  and  man ;  your  one  refrain, 

"Wherein?"  to  all  your  empty  life  the  clew. 

Behold !  the  Lord  shall  suddenly  appear 
To  purge  His  temple,  a  refiner's  fire, 
To  purify  the  silver  and  the  gold. 
Then  they  that  serve  the  Lord,  His  name  do  fear, 
Shall  be  My  jewels  and  My  heart's  desire, 
Of  luster  rare,  of  beauty  manifold. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets 


Dwight  L.  Moody 


O  wisest,  noblest  herald  of  our  age, 

Whose  trumpet-tones  ne'er  gave  uncertain  sound, 
Whose  glad  Evangel,  heard  the  wide  earth  round, 

Did  so  much  human  grief  and  pain  assuage : — 

How  we  shall  miss  thy  face,  keen,  rugged,  kind ; 
A  face  that  children  learned  to  trust  and  love, 
Whose  goodness  men  and  women  came  to  prove, 

The  faithful  index  of  an  honest  mind ! 

When  shall  we  hear  such  speech  again,  so  tense, 
Direct,  incisive,  piercing  to  the  heart 
Of  things ;  a  speech  for  pulpit  or  for  mart, 

So  rich  in  Bible  lore,  in  common  sense? 
A  master  of  assemblies,  how  he  swayed 
Our  wills,  like  fields  of  grain  by  strong  winds 
played ! 


ii. 

To  dull,  despairing  souls  he  showed  a  star 
Of  hope ;  'mong  optimists  he  led  the  van : 


33 


34  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 

" Since  God  is  love"  (his  message  ever  ran), 
"Take  heart  of  cheer;  thy  sins  forgiven  are." 
"No  matter  though  in  sin  you've  wandered  far 

From  home;  if  you've  the  will  to  turn,  you  can." 
Not  ours  alone,  but  owned  of  every  clime ; 

Whose  thoughts  of  heav'n  and  earth  did  freely 
blend, 

Who  walked  and  talked  with  God  as  triend  with 
friend, 
And  thus  became  the  Great-heart  of  our  time, 
A  nature  plain,  with  neither  show  nor  sham, 

Yet  strong  and  noble,  ruling  by  the  sway 

Of  simple  truth,  his  whole  life  seemed  to  say : — 
"By  grace  of  God  I  am  the  man  I  am." 

in. 

So  sensitive  his  soul  to  human  need, 

With  passionate  intensity,  with  all 

His  powers  he  wrought,  until  he  heard  "God's 
call, 
Saw  Heaven  open  and  the  earth  recede." 
So  let  him  sleep  on  Round  Top,  whence  appear 

The  scenes   where  he  was  born,  where  he  was 
known 

As  friend  and  neighbor,  laid  the  cornerstone 
Of  schools,  that  prove  his  foresight  sound  and  clear. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  3$ 

He  needs  no  granite  shaft  to  mark  his  grave, 

Himself  a  sort  of  monumental  man; 

Perhaps  to  no  one,  since  the  world  began, 
Has  it  been  giv'n  more  lives  to  touch  and  save. 

In  him  the  heavenly  calling  was  not  missed ; 

He  magnified  the  name,  Evangelist. 


36  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 

Zimmerman's  "Christ  and  the  Fisherman'' 

Henceforth  Thou  Shalt  Catch  Men.     Luke  5:10 

Though  half-averted  be  the  Master's  face, 
We  read  in  brow  serene  and  look  benign 
A  spotless  life,  His  manhood's  clearest  sign: 

In  hands  of  healing,  laid  with  matchless  grace 

Upon  the  fisher's  brawny  arm,  we  trace 
The  subtle  power,  which  led  men  to  resign 
Their  all  and  follow  Him  in  paths  divine, 

In  sacrifice  and  service  for  their  race. 

The  younger  man,  with  dark  and  soulful  eyes, 
Enraptured,  drinks  in  truth  like  thirsty  earth. 

O  Lord,  enchain  him  'til,  for  high  emprise, 

Thou'st  made  him  Thine  forever !    He  is  worth 

Thy  master-spell.    With  tireless  eagle-flight 

And  gaze   unblenched,  he'll  dare  the  sun's   fierce 
light. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  37 


Henry  Drummond 

Men  called  him  "Prince,"  and  knightlier  soul  ne'er 

flung 
The  gage  of  chivalry,  nor  entered  lists 
Where  beauty  shone  and  shouts  of  triumph  rung 
As  lances  crossed.     None  ever  kept  his  trysts 
With  maiden  fair  more  loyally  than  he 
With  truth.     A  virgin  manhood,  dedicate 
To  wisdom,  honor,  love,  humanity, 
And  keeping  faith  with  Christ  inviolate. 
With  royal  hand  he  poured  his  life's  best  wine 
To  vivify  the  faint.    Nor  would  he  swerve 
From  duty's  path,  but  proved  the  law  divine, 
That  he  who  would  be  great  must  lowly  serve. 
In  many  fields  he  won  a  bright  renown, 
But  in  the  lives  he  saved  a  kingly  crown. 


38  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 


Expansion 

Is  this  the  time,  O  church  of  Christ,  to  sound 

Retreat?    To  arm  with  weapons  cheap  and  blunt 
The  men  and  women  who  have  borne  the  brunt 

Of  truth's  fierce  strife,  and  nobly  held  their  ground  ? 

Is  this  the  time  to  halt,  when  all  around 
Horizons  lift,  new  destinies  confront, 
Stern  duties  wait  our  nation,  never  wont 

To  play  the  laggard,  when  God's  will  was  found  ? 

No!  rather  strengthen  stakes  and  lengthen  cords. 
Enlarge  thy  plans  and  gifts,  O  thou  elect, 
And  to  thy  kingdom  come  for  such  a  time ! 
The  earth  with  all  its  fulness  is  the  Lord's. 

Great  things  attempt  for  Him,  great  things  ex- 
pect, 
Whose  love  imperial  is,  whose  power  sublime. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  39 


To  My  Mother,  on  Her  Eightieth 
Birthday 

On  God  and  godlike  men  build  we  our  trust  ? 

But  what  if  Christian  womanhood  reveal 

Those  qualities  divine,  which  are  the  seal 
Of  God,  and  lift  us  high  above  the  dust? 
A  mind  alert,  whose  powers  defy  the  rust ; 

A  soul  clear-visioned,  living  in  th'  ideal ; 

Thy  busy  hands  and  feet  yet  touch  the  real, 
And  do  God's  will  on  earth  because  they  must. 

In  thee  are  gentleness  and  firmness  blent ; 

A  dignity  of  grace  and  heav'nly  birth; 

A  hopeful,  cheery  patience,  giving  worth 
To  life,  its  chiefest  strength  and  ornament. 

In  thee  God  hath  His  choicest  work  made  known, 

And  to  thy  children  hath  His  glory  shown. 


40  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 


A  Sabbath  at  Lake  Bluff 

Though  come  apart  from  field  of  work  to-day, 
We  have  not  fled  our  faith  nor  our  ideals ; 
In  nature's  sanctities  the  Christ  reveals 

His  presence ;  at  her  altar  bids  us  pray. 

Her  calm  and  beauty  our  unrest  allay ; 
And  as  her  haunting  myst'ry  on  us  steals, 
We  touch  through  her  the  hem  of  Him  who  heals, 

And  find  anew  the  Truth,  the  Life,  the  Way. 

Oh,  Master,  here  before  Thy  feet  I  fall, 
And  pray  Thee  to  subdue  the  sins  that  lurk ; 

To  purify  my  heart,  my  will  enthrall. 

And  if,  in  love  with  leisure,  I  would  shirk 

My  duty,  may  I  hear  Thine  urgent  call. 
And  gladly  grasp  again  my  tools  of  work. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  41 


Love's  Excellence 

I.  Corinthians  13 

But  sounding  brass,  the  golden  eloquence 

That  does  not  speak  in  love.     That  knowledge 

nought, 
Which  has  not  learned  in  love  to  share  its  thought. 

And  idle  is  the  faith,  not  grown  intense 

In  deeds  of  love.    A  cheap  beneficence, 

That  only  gives  an  alms  which  may  be  bought, 
Or  even  yields  the  life  to  flames,  unsought, — 

'Tis  love's,  the  secret  of  all  excellence. 

Unfailing  patience,  kindness,  courtesy, — 
There's  not  a  lovely  trait  or  virtue  fine. 
That  does  not  spring  from  love,  with  love  align, 

And  when  we  reach  that  cloudless  land,  where  we 
No  longer  darkly  see,  but  face  to  face, 
There  love's  the  crowning,  the  abiding  grace. 


42  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 


The  Fiftieth  Anniversary  of  the  Cayuga 
Orphan  Asylum 

If  pure  and  undefiled  religion  be 

To  visit  the  forlorn  and  fatherless, 

To  hear  their  cry  and  help  them  in  distress, 
To  keep  one's  own  unspotted  purity : — 
How  rich  a  heritage  belongs  to  thee, 

Of   woman's  grace  and  strength  and   power  to 
bless, 

Her  faith,  devotion,  patience,  tenderness, 
Unstinted  poured  for  half  a  century ! 

We  think,  to-day,  of  all  who  here  have  found 
A  refuge  and  a  home ;  a  training-school 
For  life ;  of  those  in  whom  were  rarely  blent 
The  teacher  and  the  mother ;  heaven-sent 
To  show  Christ's  love  and  live  His  Golden  Rule. 
Seek  you  their  monument?    Then  look  around! 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  43 


To     Professor     Edward     North     ("Old 
Greek"),    Hamilton    College 

Christmas,  1901 

What  p?eon  shall  I  sing  thee,  noblest  "Greek".? 

Thy  blended  Attic  wit  and  wisdom  praise? 

Some  strong  and  simple  Doric  shaft  upraise, 
To  mark  thy  manhood  rare,  thy  life  unique? 
Oh,  could  I  hear  thee  scan,  with  liquid  voice, 

The  flowing  measures  of  Theocritus, — 

Translate  those  Idyls,  as  mellifluous 
As  honey  from  Hymettian  fields,  and  choice! 
With  thee  we  climbed  th'  Acropolis  to  see 

That  panorama  from  the  Parthenon, — 

Imagine  Salamis  and  Marathon 
And  Athens — all  that  gorgeous  pageantry! 

Thou  madest  Greece  a  fair,  enchanted  land, 

By  simple  virtue  of  thy  scholar's  wand. 


44  Miscellaneous  Sonnets 


Herrick  Johnson,  Homilete 

Thou  master  of  the  homiletic  art, 
Divine  diplomacy  to  reconcile 
An  alien  world  to  Christ ;  by  loving  wile 
To  gain  an  entrance  to  the  human  heart : — 
We  see  thee  on  thy  class-room  throne ;  recall 
Thy  keen  and  trenchant  words  of  criticism, 
That  proved  each  fault  and  pricked  each  hollow 
"ism," 
And  proved  our  too  ambitious  efforts  small, 
Nor  could  mere  cleverness  thine  eyes  deceive. 
And  make  the  brass  of  speech  pass  current  gold : 
However  skillfully  our  tale  was  told, 
The  shoddy  fabric  thou  didst  soon  unweave. 
To  train  fit  workmen  thou  hast  ever  aimed, 
Approved  of  God,  and  therefore  unashamed. 


Miscellaneous  Sonnets  45 


James  Chalmers 

Martyr  of  New  Guinea 

Explorer,  herald,  dauntless  pioneer. 
A  man  of  such  magnetic  heart  and  hand 
One  touch  of  his  our  manhood  has  remanned, 
As  thro'  the  raging  surf  we  see  him  steer 
His  boat,  amid  the  storm  and  darkness  drear, 
And  then  with  eager  step  the  first  to  land 
On  savage  shores.    For  he,  who  bore  the  brand 
Of  Christ,  feared  not  the  hostile  club  and  spear. 
Imperial  of  soul,  of  brain  of  brawn, 

Adventurous  to  cope  with  wind  and  wave, 
He  saw  the  Christhood  in  the  South  Sea  spawn, 

And  with  that  faith  matched  love  and  strength  to 
save. 
Along  that  murky  coast  there  broke  the  dawn, 

Ere,  martyr-like,  he  yielded  life  so  brave. 


Hymns 


"Banished  Sons" 

Her  Sons.      II.  Sam.  14:  13 

O  King,  fetch  home  Thy  banished  sons, 
Win  back  their  love  and  loyalty ; 

Self-exiled,  they  are  still  Thine  own, 
And  bear  the  marks  of  royalty. 

They're  orphaned  here,  in  Thy  good  world, 
Nor  hear  Thy  voice,  nor  see  Thy  face ; 

Without  a  faith  or  commonwealth, 

Though  dowered  daily  with  Thy  grace. 

O  Father — King — send  them  Thy  Son, 
With  proof  of  their  high  lineage ; 

Some  token  from  the  palace  send, 
An  earnest  of  their  heritage. 

And  are  not  we  in  exile  here, 

Till  to  our  fatherland  we  come? 

WTe  wait  our  summons  from  the  court, — 
O  King,  Thy  banished  sons  fetch  home! 


47 


48  Hymns  of  the  Church 


"Face  to  Face" 

Her  Service.      II.  Kings  14:    11 

Come,  let  us  look  each  other  in  the  face, 

Come,  let  us  grasp  each  other  by  the  hand ; 

This  our  divinest,  holiest  meeting-place, 
This  is  the  gate-way  to  the  heavenly  land. 

Not  in  unfriendly  rivalry  we  meet, 

Boasting  our  prowess  on  life's  battle-field ; 

Rather,  as  brothers  of  the  Cross,  to  greet 

And  pledge  each  other  ne'er  the  strife  to  yield. 

Ours  is  the  challenge  to  a  bloodless  war, 

The  swords  we  measure  are  the  word  of  God, 

Truth  is  our  watchword,  hope  our  guiding-star, 
Love  is  our  banner,  radiant  and  broad. 

Come,  then,  and  look  each  other  in  the  face, 
Come  and  together  vow  to  Christ  our  love ; 

This  is  our  safest,  sweetest  try  sting-place, 
Until  our  meeting,  face  to  face,  above. 


Hymns  of  the  Church  49 


Hymn  of  Dedication 

Her  Open  Door 

Thy  love,  O  Lord,  hath  brought  us  to  this  hour, 
Thy   grace    hath    crowned    our   eager    hopes    at 
length : 

And  we  have  seen  our  brightest  visions  flower 
In  forms  of  beauty,  symmetry  and  strength. 

Our  heart's  true  home  to  Thee  we  dedicate, 
O  Christ,  the  Master-passion  of  our  life : 

Help  us  this  shrine  to  keep  inviolate, 

Its  worship  pure,  its  friendships  free  from  strife. 

Of  love  and  life  itself  Thou  didst  not  spare, 
To  make  us  rich  with  blessings  manifold : 

Our  proffered  gold  hath  built  this  temple  fair : 
Now  may  the  temple  sanctify  our  gold. 

Here  may  we  learn  to  temper  greed  of  gain, 
And  weigh  in  juster  scales  the  things  of  time : 

Here  may  the  spell  of  worldly  honor  wane, 
As  on  our  vision  dawns  the  cross  sublime. 

Our  doors  be  open,  beautiful  and  wide, 
To  all  the  heavy  laden  and  distressed : 

While  here  we  find  in  Christ,  the  Crucified, 
Our  burdens  lightened  and  our  souls  at  rest. 


50  Easter  Hymns 


"Jesus  on  the  Shore" 

John  21 :    14 

Hast  thou  left  some  lofty  plane, 
Work  and  worship  all  divine? 

Dread'st  to  see  its  glory  wane, 
Nor  on  common  tasks  to  shine? 

Love  for  Christ  to  duty  bring, 

All  thy  life  transfiguring! 

Has  thy  night  of  toil  dragged  slow, 
Seemed  the  darkness  without  end? 

Does  the  dawn  but  failure  show? 
Shows  as  well  the  fisher's  Friend  ? 

Hear  His  voice  from  yonder  shore, 

"Cast  ye  in  your  nets  once  more !" 

Love  discerns  that  form  benign 
In  the  gray  of  early  dawn  ; 

Reads  through  memory  the  sign, 
As  again  full  nets  are  drawn; 

Yearns  to  see  Him  face  to  face, 

And  be  locked  in  His  embrace. 

O  disciple,  think  not  life 

Emptied  of  all  faith  and  truth 


Easter  Hymns 


If  thou  fattest  in  the  strife, 

(  hrerwhelmed  by  wrong  and  ruth ; 
Every  midnight  hath  its  morn  ; 
With  the  light  new  hope  is  born. 

When  thy  weary  night  is  o'er, 
All  thy  sky  is  flushed  with  light, 

Then  upon  the  farther  shore 

Radiant  love  shall  greet  thy  sight. 

Hail  the  resurrection  feast, 

Christ  the  Host,  His  servant  guest ! 


52  Easter  Hymns 


"Divine  Heart-Burning" 

Luke  24:    32 

Our  eyes  were  held.    The  Word  denied  us 
The  precious  secret  we  would  learn, 

Till  One  drew  near  and  walked  beside  us, — 
Did  not  our  heart  within  us  burn? 

• 
He  flashed  upon  us  hidden  beauties, 

And  softened  truths  we  thought  too  stern ; 

When  by  His  cross  we  read  our  duties, 

Did  not  our  heart  within  us  burn  ? 

When  there  has  dawned  some  revelation, 

Some  movement  new,  which  men  would  spurn, 

Some  truth  of  fresh  interpretation, 
Did  not  our  heart  within  us  burn  ? 

By  love  constrained,  He  gave  us  token, 
When  spent  the  day,  beyond  return ; 

'Mid  deep'ning  shadows  bread  has  broken, — 
Did  not  our  heart  within  us  burn? 

O,  Master,  when  we  see  Thy  glory, 
Receive  the  grace  we  could  not  earn, 

Recount,  in   full,   salvation's  story, 
Will  not  our  heart  within  us  burn? 


Thanksgiving  Hymn  53 


"A  Continual  Feast" 

Prov.  15:    15 

The  merry  heart  hath  daily  feast, 

And  doth  not  know  what  'tis  to  pine; 

Of  outward  good  may  have  the  least, 
Since  Christ  within  pours  richest  wine. 

Though  conscience  feels  the  pang  of  sin, 
The  soul  hath  never  need  of  priest, 

For  Christ  doth  cleanse  the  heart  within, 
And  spreadeth  there  continual  feast. 

When  locks  are  white  with  Winter's  snows, 
And  furrows  down  the  face  are  creased, 

Old  age,  still  cheerful,  hopeful  shows 
That  grace  the  merry  heart  doth  feast. 

For  merry  hearts  there's  no  "lost  chord" : 
They  sing,  when  others'  songs  have  ceased, 

With  melody  unto  the  Lord, 
And  joy  in  His  continual  feast. 


54  Christmas  Hymn 


"We  Do  not  Well" 

II.  Kings  7:   9 

We  do  not  well  to  hold  our  peace, 
While  men  beleaguered  need  release ; 
Sin's  siege  is  broken;  let  us  sound 
The  tidings  all  the  world  around. 

We  do  not  well  faith's  gold  to  hide, 
Love's  treasures  hoard  this  Christmastide ; 
But  rather  bring  them  to  the  King, 
For  all  His  poor  and  suffering. 

We  do  not  well  ourselves  to  feast, 
Till  famine  of  the  word  has  ceased. 
Our  souls  with  leanness  shall  be  cursed, 
Though  all  our  barns  with  plenty  burst. 

O,  fellow-heirs  of  God's  rich  grace, 
No  longer  tarry,  but  apace 
Tell  all  the  household  of  the  King 
The  joyful  tidings  angels  sing. 

For  He  who  is  the  Gift  of  gifts 
The  curtain  of  the  future  lifts, 
And  shows  us  in  a  vision  fair, 
That  they  alone  do  well  who  share. 


New  Year's  Hymn  $$ 


God,  Country,  Home,  Church,  Humanity 

I.  Peter  ii.   17  and  iii.  8,  9 

My  soul,  thy  powers  awake, 
All  lower  aims  forsake. 

Thy  God  to  serve. 
Let  mind  perceive  His  skill, 
Let  conscience  feel  His  thrill^ 
Let  heart  obey  His  will, 

Nor  ever  swerve. 

Thine  energies  be  lent 

To  strengthen  government, 

Thy  country  love. 
Whether  on  native  land, 
Or  alien  soil  thou  stand, 
Thy  patriot  life  be  planned 

Its  worth  to  prove. 

Keep  bright  the  altar-fires, 
Where  glow  thy  warm  desires 

For  home  and  kin. 
Honor  enflame  each  breast, 
Truth  be  the  ardent  quest, 
Love  the  abiding  guest, 

Peace  reign  within. 


56  New  Year's  Hymn 

O  church  of  Christ !  in  thee 
A  glorious  galaxy 

Of  saints  doth  shine. 
A  holy  brotherhood, 
Linked  for  the  highest  good 
To  largest  multitude, 

Service  divine. 

Image  of  deity, 

In  all  men  joy  to  see, 

For  whom  Christ  died. 
A  wider  family, 
A  grander  polity, 
Redeemed  humanity, 

Be  this  thy  pride! 


Hymns  for  Chicago  Day  57 


A  Vision  Splendid 

Give  us,  Lord,  a  vision  splendid 

Of  the  civic  life  to  be, 
When  our  city's  shame  is  ended, 

And  Christ  reigns  in  equity. 
Beautiful  for  situation, 

Seated  on  her  inland  sea, 
Out  from  fires  of  tribulation, 

May  she  come  to  honor  Thee! 

Bold  we  rear  our  towers  of  science, 

Our  fair  palaces  of  art; 
On  the  Cross  place  most  reliance, 

For  the  bulwarks  of  our  mart. 
Be  Thou  wall  of  fire  defending, 

And  indwelling  glory  deep ; 
Vain  is  watchman's  careful  tending, 

Unless  Thou  the  city  keep. 

If  we  make  "I  will"  the  token 

Of  Chicago's  very  life : 
Keep  our  league  with  right  unbroken 

And  with  wrong  ne'er  quit  the  strife, 
If  not  we,  our  sons  and  daughters 

Shall  the  walls  of  truth  upraise; 
Dedicate  beside  these  waters 

A  "White  City"  to  God's  praise. 


58  Hymns  for  Chicago  Day 


"Healing  of  the  Water 

I.  Kings  2:19-22 

Pleasant  is  our  city, 

Beautiful  its  homes, 
Giving  cheery  welcome 

To  the  one  who  roams ; 
Yet  its  life  is  poisoned 

In  the  haunts  of  shame, 
Bitter  springs  of  trouble, 

Fruitful  cause  of  blame. 

Chorus. 
Healers  of  our  waters, 

Salt  of  all  the  earth, 
Cast  ye  in  your  treasure, 

God  will  give  it  worth. 

Flourishing  our  churches, 

Thronged  our  college  halls, 
High  the  ramparts  rearing, 

Culture's  noble  walls ; 
Yet  our  springs  still  bubble 

Turbid,  bitter,  strong; 
And  unless  they're  sweetened, 

Right  must  yield  to  wrong. — Cno. 


Hymns  for  Chicago  Day  59 

Strong  the  spirit  pulsing 

In  our  civic  life, 
Eager  our  ambitions, 

Emulous  our  strife  ; 
Yet  misrule  abounding 

Furnishes  the  taunt, 
That  "1  will"  's  the  symbol 

Of  an  idle  vaunt. — Clio. 

We  have  conquered  forces 

Turbulent  and  dire, 
Risen  from  the  ashes 

Victors  over  fire; 
Yet  within  our  borders, 

Anarchy  and  crime 
Flaunt  their  open  challenge, 

Apathy  sublime ! — Cho. 

We  who  have  the  Gospel, 

Holding  fast  the  Cross, 
Owe  it  to  our  city, 

Counting  all  but  loss. 
We  must  cast  in  treasure, 

Thought  and  strength  and  pelf ; 
If  our  springs  are  sweetened, 

We  must  cast  in  self. — Cho. 


6o  Hymns  for  Chicago  Day 


"A  City  of  Truth" 

Zech.  8:3-16 

When  men  from  all  this  goodly  land 
Shall  make  their  yearly  pilgrimage, 

And  joy  within  the  gates  to  stand, 
In  thy  festivities  engage : 

Be  this  thy  boast  to  every  guest, 

Truth  is  my  name  and  truth  my  quest. 

Where  trade  is  brisk  and  strife  is  hot 
May  Wisdom  stand,  lift  up  her  voice, 

Till  men  buy  truth  and  sell  it  not, 
And  in  their  bargain  e'er  rejoice. 

O  fair  Queen-city  of  the  West, 

Thy  name  be  truth,  and  truth  thy  quest ! 

Instead  of  ruin,  wrong  and  ruth, 

And  chasms  wide  'twixt  man  and  man, 

Let  each  to  neighbor  speak  the  truth 
In  right  and  justice  lead  the  van. 

Let  every  spire  and  tower  attest, 

Truth  is  thy  name  and  truth  thy  quest. 

The  Lord  be  in  the  midst  of  thee, 
Thy  God  in  truth  and  righteousness, 


Hymns  for  Chicago  Day  61 

Thy  Saviour  from  captivity 

Of  error,  vice  and  lawlessness. 
Then  shalt  thou  say,  no  more  in  jest, 
Truth  is  my  name  and  truth  my  quest. 


62  Hymns  of  Life 


"Christ,  I  Take  Thy  Yoke" 

Matt.   1 1 130 

Weary  with  the  strife 

Of  tumultuous  life., 
Puzzled  by  conflicting  choices, 
Clear  and  sweet,  'mid  jarring  voices, 

On  my  ears  there  broke, — 

''Easy  is  my  yoke." 

"Come  to  me  and  rest 

Ye  by  cares  oppressed: 
I  will  all  your  burdens  lighten, 
All  your  gloomy  skies  will  brighten, 

Banish  every  fear, 

Bring  in  hope  and  cheer." 

"Pleasant  is  the  task 

I,  your  Teacher,  ask : — 
Learn  of  Me,  the  meek  and  lowly. 
How  to  make  the  life  more  holy : — 

Lesson  simple,  plain, 

Peace  its  one  refrain." 

"Leave  all  lower  ends, 
Making  full  amends : 


Hymns  of  Life  63 


Follow  Me  in  paths  entrancing, 
Toward  the  hcav'nlv  goal  advancing.' 
Christ,  I  take  Thy  yoke, 
This,  Thy  master-stroke! 

Gladly  I  revoke 

Every  galling  yoke. 
Rivet  tight  Thy  fetters  golden, 
By  love's  cords  I  would  be  holden. 

Silken  are  the  bands 

Woven  by  Thy  hands. 


64  Hymns  of  Life 


"For  Thy  Sake" 

II.  Sam.  9:1-7 

I  have  learned,  O  Lord  and  Master, 
What  no  doubt  can  shake, — 

That  my  God  hath  richly  blessed  me 
For  Thy  sake. 

For  Thy  sake,  Thy  love  and  friendship 

Is  this  kindness  shown  : 
Hence  the  King  adopts  me,  treats  me 

As  His  own. 

Since  through  Thee  such  grace  is  flowing, 

I  would  humbly  take, 
And  to  others  pass  the  blessing 

For  Thy  sake. 

Since  to  me  new  life  is  granted 

Solely  for  Thy  sake., 
On  Thy  truth  my  soul  and  honor 

I  would  stake. 

For  Thy  sake  to  me  is  given 

Suffering  to  bear: 
After  I  have  bravely  striven ; 

Crown  to  wear. 


Hymns  of  Life  65 


In  Thy  presence,  with  Thy  likeness, 

When  at  last  I  wake, 
This  my  song  through  endless  ages, — 

'Tor  Thy  sake." 


66  Hymns  of  Life 


"The  Streets  of  the  City" 

Childhood.      Zech.  8:5 

Sweetest  word  of  revelation 

Which  foretells  the  children's  play 

Showing  Zion's  restoration, 
Once  more  keeping  holiday: 

Sweetest  scene  of  Gospel  story, 

Full  of  loveliest  import, 
Where  the  Saviour,  Lord  of  glory, 

Watches  children  at  their  sport. 

Sweetest  thought  the  present  borrows 
From  the  past  so  dim  and  gray, 

Is  that  Christ,  the  Man  of  Sorrows, 
Loves  to  see  the  children  play. 

Sweetest  vision  that  can  gladden 
Weary  earth  where  grief  holds  sway ; 

Golden  streets,  with  naught  to  sadden 
Happy  children  at  their  play. 


Hymns  of  Life  67 


"The  Life  Which  Is  Life" 

Strenuous   Manhood.     John    10:10;  I.  Tim.  6:19,  R.  V. 

Xot  to  lie  becalmed,  with  flapping  sail, 
But  to  drive  elate  before  the  gale. 

Not  to  wait  inert  some  happy  chance, 
But  to  face  with  zest  rough  circumstance. 

Not  with  nerveless  arm  and  slackened  string, 
But  from  bow  full-bent  truth's  arrow  wing. 

Xot  to  drain  from  life  scant  drops  of  joy, 
But  quaff  brimming  cup  without  alloy. 

Xot  to  starve  upon  the  world's  poor  dole, 
But  on  faith's  rich  store  to  feast  the  soul. 

Xot  a  manhood  dwarfed  by  petty  aims, 
But  a  stature  crowned  midst  high  acclaims. 

( )h  for  fuller  life,  in  Christ  complete ! 
Xot  a  yearning  mocked,  no  more  defeat! 


68  Hymns  of  Life 


"The  Light  of  Life" 

Strenuous  Manhood.     John  14:6 

Keen  and  intense  life's  race, 

Sharp  and  severe  its  strife ; 
Lest  I  grow  faint  and  slack  my  pace, 

O  Christ,  be  Thou  my  Life ! 

Dark  and  perplexed  the  way, 
Hard  and  involved  the  right : 

The  smoke  of  passion  clouds  the  day : — 
O  Christ,  be  Thou  my  Light ! 

Incarnate  Truth  Thou  art ; 

From  error  set  me  free ; 
And  henceforth  lead  my  mind  and  heart 

In  sweet  captivity. 

So  in  Thy  willing  strength 

Abounding  let  me  live; 
Then  to  Thy  cloudless  land  at  length 

Abundant  entrance  give. 


Hymns  of  Life  69 


Self-Conquest 

Strenuous  Manhood.     Matt.  8:23-27 

O  Lord,  when  strife  and  passion  through  me  thrill, 
Like  sudden  gusts  that  agitate  the  sea, 

Then  quell  the  tumult  with  Thy  "Peace,  be  still  I" 
As  thou  didst  hush  the  storm  on  Galilee. 

Let  not  my  life  defenseless  be,  unwalled, 
A  city  broken  down,  exposed  to  feud ; 

But  by  Thy  chains  of  love  let  me  be  thralled, 
My  spirit  conquered  and  my  will  subdued. 

Engrave  Thy  law  of  kindness  on  my  tongue ; 

A  fount  of  kindness  open  in  my  heart ; 
To  gentler  issues  be  my  nature  strung, 

A  harp  that  feels  and  owns  the  Master's  art. 

Purge  from  my  spirit  all  the  heat  I  feel 
Of  hatred,  envy,  malice,  pride,  self-will ; 

And  make  my  wrath  a  clear  white  flame  of  zeal, 
That  only  burns  to  purify  of  ill. 

In  furnace-fires  of  truth  I  would  anneal 
All  baser  ores,  my  nobler  self  to  find : 

My  will,  a  piece  of  finely  tempered  steel, 

While  strong  to  bear,  yet  pliant  to  Thy  mind. 


70  Hymns  of  Life  . 


"Lord,  Let  Me  Go  in  Peace" 

Old  Age.      "Nunc  Dimittis."      Luke  2:29 

Lord,  I  have  waited  for  Thy  consolation. 
For  Thine  Anointed,  hope  of  every  nation ; 
Since  now  mine  eyes  have  seen  Thy  blest  salvation, 
Lord,  let  me  go  in  peace. 

Lord,  I  have  ever  known  Thy  Spirit's  leading, 
And  from  my  youth  have  had  Thy  temple's  breed- 
ing; 
Since  now  there's  only  this  one  thing  I'm  needing, 
Lord,  let  me  go  in  peace. 

Lord,  I  have  never  found  Thy  service  dreary, 
Thy  pathways  aught  but  beautiful  and  cheery; 
And  yet  mine  eyes  are  dim,  my  feet  are  weary ; 
Lord,  let  me  go  in  peace. 

Lord,  in  Thy  heaven  I  have  richest  treasure, 
Deep  in  my  heart  a  hope  I  cannot  measure, 
Thy  work  and  truth  will  ever  be  my  pleasure ; 
Lord,  let  me  go  in  peace. 


Hymns  of  Life  71 


An  Evening  Thought 

Since  on  mc  the  Lord  His  Countenance  doth  lift, 
I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and  sleep ; 

For,  though    far  down  some  silent  vale  my   soul 
should  drift, 
I  will  not  be  afraid — for  God  will  keep  ! 


